Efficient Alert System Promised

Homeland Security Chief Promises Key Role For State, Local Officials

February 26, 2002|By DAVID LIGHTMAN; Washington Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge Monday promised governors he would create an efficient, easy-to-understand national alert system, probably sometime next month, that would rely heavily on state and local officials to respond instantly in an emergency.

``We understand the need to coordinate,'' President Bush told the governors at a White House meeting.

``Both of us were governors,'' said the former Texas chief executive as he cited Ridge, who was governor of Pennsylvania before assuming his current job last fall. ``We do not want the federal government to be removed.''

There were other topics on the table during the 45-minute White House session: welfare reform, highway funding, Medicaid changes and so on. But nothing has the urgency of keeping people safe from terrorist attacks, and keeping them informed of when one may be imminent.

Ridge has spent the last two days briefing the nation's governors, in Washington for their annual winter meeting, on changes in the notification system. Local officials have criticized the current system of issuing general alerts as too vague; the FBI has issued four general alerts since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The most recent was 15 days ago and noted ``recent information indicates a planned attack may occur in the United States or against U.S. interests in the country of Yemen on or around Feb. 12, 2002.'' There were no other specifics.

Ridge indicated he would have full details of a new plan in about 30 days, and Republican Governors Association Chairman John G. Rowland said there was talk of a system like the one used by the National Weather Service, which lets people know what level of danger and discomfort is imminent so they can properly prepare.

The attack alert system would probably be heavily localized, so if, for instance, Hartford were particularly vulnerable, that would be emphasized.

The dialogue between the governors and the White House went beyond alerts. Administration officials made clear they are committed to the idea of bolstering the ``first responders,'' the police, fire and other emergency officials across the country who would be first on the scene of any tragedy.

In a year when the president wants to cut aid to state governments sharply, he intends to increase the amount needed for the responders. The president's budget earmarks $3.5 billion to support the first responders.

The emphasis on state and local governments is significant for two reasons.

Not only does it give them an important role in homeland defense, but it also helps define the still-evolving mission of Ridge's Homeland Security office, created after the Sept. 11 attacks.

``I told him [Ridge] that instead of worrying about coordinating 40 different federal agencies, he should be concerned with coordinating the different responses of the states,'' said Rowland, who gathered the GOP governors Monday for a meeting with Ridge.

Last year Ridge's job seemed impossible to some, because he was trying to coordinate a labyrinth of federal agencies where officials were unlikely to cede much turf.

He discussed that problem Monday, telling the governors he oversees a system ``with multiple agencies'' and ``nobody's really in charge.''

But in spreading his network across the country, Ridge's office has the potential to become a useful weapon in the battle against terrorism, state officials said.

``There's still a lot to be sorted out, but a lot of people in the states want this to happen,'' said Raymond C. Scheppach, executive director of the National Governors Association.

Ridge was lauded by members of both parties as the one to do it; until last fall, he had been governor of Pennsylvania for nearly seven years and, before that, a congressman for 12 years.

So, said Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist, a Republican who also has served in Congress, ``He knows the system, and we trust him.'' And, added Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, a Republican, ``He's bringing a perspective that has been missing.''

Ridge has been almost apologetic during the last two days about the current system of issuing national alerts, saying Washington ``has to do a better job.''

Somehow, he said, local officials will understand how serious Washington considers a threat and be able to act appropriately.

All that seemed fine to the governors, regardless of party. ``In general, your administration, particularly your budget proposals, are state friendly,'' said Kentucky Gov. Paul E. Patton, a Democrat.

The money Bush wants for first responders could be used in several ways. Governments could buy equipment for medical protection, for biological and chemical detection, and protective equipment for workers. They could use the funds to help improve communications or to buy the latest technology.

In the budget, Bush used this example: ``The funding could be used to acquire diagnostic test equipment that can reduce the time required to test for anthrax from 40 hours to a matter of minutes.''

Bush also wants states to have flexibility in how the money can be used, a point the governors routinely praised. ``Governor-friendly,'' said Patton.